This article analyzes the educational model of zakat distribution as a contemporary approach to enhancing zakat’s social impact and advancing social sustainability. It argues that zakat effectiveness depends not merely on the volume of collected funds, but on the efficiency of distribution mechanisms and their ability to move beyond short-term relief toward long-term empowerment and development. The study establishes a theoretical framework that defines zakat as a binding socio-financial institution aimed at wealth redistribution and social justice, distinguishing it from voluntary charity while emphasizing the educational dimension in Islamic thought that prioritizes human dignity and capability building. The article situates zakat within the concept of social sustainability, highlighting its key components, including justice, empowerment, social cohesion, and the reduction of marginalization. It presents the educational model as an alternative to recurrent, consumption-based assistance, positioning human development at the center of zakat interventions. The model’s foundations are grounded in the objectives of Islamic law (maq??id al-shar??ah), the jurisprudence of priorities and consequences, and the principle of shifting from consumption to production. The article proposes practical strategies such as targeted beneficiary profiling, productive financing, education and vocational training aligned with labor-market needs, awareness-building and value formation, phased support with structured exit pathways, and strengthened institutional partnerships, governance, and impact measurement. It concludes that adopting the educational model enhances social cohesion, preserves human dignity, improves zakat spending efficiency, and reinforces zakat’s sustainable role in poverty alleviation and social stability.
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